Leadership Fellows

Targeted professional development is supported by BCPEF each year, with emphasis and need determined by the school system. Developing leadership skills and preparing teachers for an expanded role within a teaching team or moving into an administrative role is the reason for support of the Leadership Fellows Program.

Cleveland City and Bradley County teachers have participated in this year-long Fellowship since 2015. The CCS and BCS Fellows join Hamilton County teachers for a cohort of approx. 30 professionals. A kick-off summer retreat is followed by monthly workshops, job shadowing and school study trips (9 nation-wide sites). Study groups, a leadership portfolio, leadership project and leadership presentations provide coaching opportunities and facilitate independent learning and team building.

PEF – Chattanooga has provided this fellowship to Hamilton County teachers for the last 20 years. Dr. Ann Kilcher leads the 12-month program. An outstanding facilitator, she has taught leadership workshops all over the world in many different cultures. BCPEF, CCS and BCS are delighted to participate in this outstanding program.

Testimonials of past Fellows

Participating in the year-long Leadership Fellow Program has given me the tools to conduct effective Professional Development sessions with my leadership team and staff upon becoming a Principal at Blythe Bower Elementary School. The resources and training I received during the Fellowship are invaluable and I refer to my resource notebook often. My Cohort continues to meet for dinner on occasion.

Prisavia Croft, Principal,, Blythe Bower Elementary School

The Leadership Fellows program filled in the practical application gaps that are often in administration preparation programs and gave me the tools necessary to do my job more effectively. I feel more confident in my ability to lead people and programs because of this intensive learning experience and I am ultimately a better educator due to the fellowship.

Cody Raper, B.L.A.D.E. Facilitator, Cleveland Middle School

The Leadership Fellows Program was one of the best experiences of my professional career. I learned how to lead well even through adversity, how to provide effective professional development to my peers, and it broadened my scope of knowledge not only K-12 but my knowledge of schools across the SE Tennessee region. Most of all, I was encouraged and inspired by my peers that I met through the program and will be forever grateful for their friendships.

The Leadership Fellows program has helped me become an impactful, growth-minded, and effective servant leader. It provided me with tools to evaluate, redesign and deliver professional development, building a collaborative school culture.

Kirk Campbell, Dean of StudentsAssistant Principal for Special Services, Bradley Central High School

This fellowship provided a wonderful opportunity to develop and hone leadership skills and to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities confronting educational leaders.

Dana Yost, Principal, North Lee Elementary School

I use the knowledge that I gained in Leadership Fellows every day as a new elementary school principal. This program is relevant and practical for school leaders. I am so grateful to the Public Education Foundation for the opportunity given me to participate in such an enriching experience.